FLINTSHIRE playgroups are to receive more help from the county council.

Cllr Peter Macfarlane, chairman of the Lifelong Learning and overview scrutiny committee, spoke to Flintshire County Council’s executive committee on Tuesday about providing more support for playgroups.

He said: “There is a big question mark on the sustainability of some of these groups.

“It is recognised by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) that the earlier children receive education the better progress they make throughout later years.”

The recommendations, which were approved by councillors, will see the authority working to maximise opportunities for playgroups to be based in council buildings.

Cllr Macfarlane said: “We want to allow these groups to operate through schools and other properties which the council owns.”

The council will also lobby the Assembly to raise awareness of the difficulties playgroups have with funding and work with other agencies to provide advice for the groups on accessing grants.

The recommendations were put together by a task group set up to look at what could be done to help playgroups.

Cllr Macfarlane added: “Playgroups are very significant and important in the future development of children and we’d like to see that opportunity extended to all children in Flintshire.”